The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
Why have you written to me asking for my nationality to keep me on the register? I've been on the register for years and you have never asked for it before?
Different nationalities are eligible to vote in different elections. So we can make sure you get the voting rights you are entitled to, you are required by law to provide us with your nationalities, otherwise you will be removed from the register.
What is the Electoral Register?
The electoral register is a list of names of everyone who is eligible to vote at different types of elections, such as Local, UK, Regional, and European elections.
Why should I register?
You can only vote in elections if your name is on the Register of Electors at your address. We update the whole Register once a year during the Autumn but we can also add entries throughout the year. So if you have moved, your voters registration can be amended to reflect your new address.
How do I get onto the Electoral Register?
You can only vote in elections if your name is on the register of electors for your area. You can add or remove your details from the register at any time. Forms are available from electoral services or can be downloaded from our adding yourself to the electoral register page.
The deadline to register to vote for the 6 May 2010 elections is 5pm Tuesday 20 April 2010.
Complete the form and return it to the elections office. Fill it in, print it off, sign and return it to: Elections Office, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UQ.
For more information or for help filling in your registration form contact the elections office on 01753 477235 or 477236 or email ballotbox@slough.gov.uk.
Help for those whose first language is not English is also available on these numbers.
How do I know if my name is on the electoral register?
Contact electoral services and ask the staff to check or you can check yourself in person at the council offices.
Why should I register to vote?
Primarily as you are allowed to vote! You can only vote in elections if your name is on the Register of Electors at your address. We update the whole Register once a year during the Autumn but we can also add entries throughout the year. So if you have moved, your voters registration can be amended to reflect your new address.
The deadline to register to vote for the 6 May 2010 elections is 5pm Tuesday 20 April 2010.
The Register is also used by credit companies to prove where you live.
How can I get someone removed from the electoral register because they are no longer here?
Every Autumn, when the registration forms are delivered, anyone no longer resident can be deleted. Additionally if someone moves and re-registers to vote at their new property, we can remove their name from the old address.
If someone in the property dies we require either written confirmation from an elector or for the elector’s name to be included on the monthly list of deceased, which is sent by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, before we can remove the name.
When I go to vote, the polling staff write my electoral number on the list of ballot papers issued. Surely this means that it is not a secret ballot because you could find my ballot paper and find out how I voted?
It is true that votes could be traced but, in reality, the Returning Officer has to keep these documents in separate sealed containers.
There are two reasons for putting this number on the list of ballot papers issued:
How do I get a postal vote?
You can now vote by post without the need to give a reason. In some circumstances, you can appoint someone to vote on your behalf. Telephone us on 01753 477235 or 477236 to get your absent vote form and advice or you can download one from the About My Vote website. Print it off, fill it in and return it to: Elections Office, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UQ.
I am moving abroad. Will I be entitled to vote?
You can register as an Overseas Elector which permits you to vote at UK and European Parliamentary elections, but you cannot vote in local elections. You can only do this for 15 years and you will need to register annually.
Forms to register can be found at the About My Vote website or are available from Electoral Services. Print off the form, fill it in and return it to Electoral Services, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UQ.
If this is your first registration as an Overseas Elector you will need to have the form attested by another British citizen living abroad.
I am paying my Council Tax, surely that means I am registered to vote, doesn't it?
No. The Council Tax Register and the Electoral Register are totally separate. Names are not permitted to be taken from one Register to the other because of legal restrictions.
I have found out that I am not on the electoral register. Can I put my name on?
You can only vote in elections if your name is on the register of electors for your area. You can add or remove your details from the register at any time.
Complete the form and return it to the elections office. Fill it in, print it off, sign and return it to: Elections Office, Town Hall, Bath Road, Slough, SL1 3UQ.
For more information or for help filling in your registration form contact the elections office on 01753 875023/232/549 or email ballotbox@slough.gov.uk. Help for those whose first language is not English is also available at this number.
I have recently changed my name, can I get it amended on the Electoral Register?
Yes, you need to write to us giving details of both your old and new names and of course your address.
I have just moved into a new property, can you amend the electoral register to show this?
Yes. You need to complete a Voter Registration form giving details of both your old and new addresses. However this is not compulsory, you may leave re-registering until we update the Register in the Autumn. Forms are available from Electoral Services or alternatively you can download an application, complete it and return through the post.
If my name is on the electoral register, can it be used for purposes other than voting?
Slough produces two versions of the register. There is a Full Register that can be inspected, and a slimmed down version that is available for marketing purposes, which is called the Edited Register.
If you want to have your name omitted from the Edited Register then do make sure you tick the box on the registration form. This form is sent to all households each autumn.
I'm not English, can I register to vote?
You must be:
The deadline to register to vote for the 6 May 2010 elections is 5pm Tuesday 20 April 2010.
I've just moved into a new property, can you amend the electoral register to show this?
Yes. You need to complete a Voter Registration form giving details of both your old and new addresses. However this is not compulsory, you may leave re-registering until we update the Register in the Autumn.
Forms are available from Electoral Services or alternatively you can download an application, complete it and return through the post.
My wife and I have just completed a couple of Voter Registration forms to have our names put on the electoral register at our new address. How long does it take for this to be dealt with?
We update the Register at the beginning of most months. It could take between 2 and 7 weeks for our information to be updated.
When will my name appear on the electoral register?
We run an annual update in the autumn, and the register compiled based on the response is published by 1st December. If you register a change another time during the year, this can take up to 2 months.
I have recently received a phone call from a company trying to sell me something. As I am ex-directory, I asked where they got my number from and they told me that they got it from the Electoral Register. Is this true?
No. The Register only records the names and addresses of registered electors. No telephone numbers are shown at all. Although our registration form asks for a telephone number this is only used by electoral staff to contact you if we have a query on your form when we process it.
I know the electoral register is sometimes used for marketing purposes, but I really do not want to receive all this junk mail, Is there some way I can stop it?
Yes. Firstly you should contact the Mailing Preference Service, Freepost 22, London. W1 7EZ, and ask them to add you to their records. This will reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.
You should also request that your name is excluded from the Edited Register, which can be done by Electoral Services. The Edited Register is sold to anyone and can be used for any purpose.
What has the Electoral Register go to do with Financial Credit?
Whether you are applying for loan or a mortgage or buying a car or a mobile phone, the company you go to will check your credit rating through one of the credit referencing agencies. All of these agencies use the Electoral Register to check that you are registered at your address to confirm that you live there. If you are refused credit and you are told that it is because you are not registered, check it out with electoral services.
Who is my local MP/Councillor, and how can I contact them?
You can find details of councillors through 'Your Councilllors' page.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
01753 875030
MyCouncil
Landmark Place
High Street, Slough
SL1 1JL, opposite
Slough Library
MyCouncil opening times.
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